A Little Foretravel History?

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A Little Foretravel History?

June 24, 2014, 04:49:07 pm

This should, perhaps, be broken up into a couple of different topics, but since they are all occurring to me at roughly the same time I thought I'd roll them all up into one post.

As I read more about Foretravel (mainly here on this forum), I am taken with the apparent style and quality of these coaches (and, by extension, their owners). A new or newer FT is not in the cards, but a gently loved older coach may one day be a possibility. With that in mind, a few questions for those of you more knowledgeable in FT matters.

When did the first Foretravel model with a slide come out? I'm almost positive my wife will insist on a slide when the time comes to buy our first coach. (We currently have a fifth-wheel.) Assuming I can get her to consider an older coach, I would like to find out when model year range I might be looking at. This question will help me figure out the starting year.

Second, when the 36-foot models end production, if they did? Based on our discussions and desires, my wife and I are pretty well agreed that we want a shorter coach (i.e., 38 feet or less). Ideally, this would be in the 35-36 foot range but could possibly stretch to 38-feet. This leads me to ask when were the 38-foot models introduced? Are they still in production? These questions will help me determine the ending year of my date range also taking our budget into consideration.

Next, are there any model years that have proven to be better (or worse) than other years? For instance, I had someone on another forum recommend the 1997-2001 model years as perhaps my best bet. When we are ready to buy, perhaps in 2016, our budget may also allow 2002-2004 models to be considered. Are there any years I should stay away from?

Final question. Whatever coach we buy, be it FT or SOB, will also likely be the coach we begin our full-time RV adventure in (perhaps by 2019). What, if any qualms would you have about full-timing in a 15-20 year old FT coach?

Apologies for the length of this, but as you can see, I have been doing quite a lot of thinking and realizing that I have more questions than answers.

Thanks for any answers you can pass my way.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #1 – June 24, 2014, 05:14:03 pm

Dear Walt,
The first slides were about 2001, at that time or a little before they redesigned the coach with a new type of rear cap. This engineering caused the cap to crack at the seam and they stood behind every coach, repairing and reengineering their cap design. Our coach is 2004 with the reengineered back cap which has never had a problem. Our life style is changing and we most likely will be consolidating things in the next year, if you are interested in a like new 36, w/ slide, cummins 450 (I think), 45,000 mi. about, parked at home north of Chicago near Wisc. rhsmms@comcast.net or 847-989-2159,847-362-0261. Questions welcomed via E mail.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #2 – June 24, 2014, 06:12:10 pm

Hi Walt,
If you haven't checked this site out it has just about everything about Foretravels.
Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links
Looks like the first slide options were available on the 2000 models. The slide mechanism changed over time. The 2000 model had seals that were much harder to service. The 2001 slides were better.

36' coaches were available in several models up to about 2005. The U320 models had 36' until 2002. In 2003 they went to the 38'. It appears that the 38' coaches are fairly rare.

The U320s had a interior update in 2001, new ceiling and dash.

Time to start studying. Options, standard equipment, engines, transmissions, heat, cooling and floor plans change from year to year. Happy hunting!

Roger

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #3 – June 24, 2014, 06:20:38 pm

Quote from: Home2fromHastings – June 24, 2014, 06:12:10 pm

Hi Walt,
If you haven't checked this site out it has just about everything about Foretravels.
Barry and Darlene Brideau's Personal Website
Looks like the first slide options were available on the 2000 models. The slide mechanism changed over time. The 2000 model had seals that were much harder to service. The 2001 slides were better.

36' coaches were available in several models up to about 2005. The U320 models had 36' until 2002. In 2003 they went to the 38'. It appears that the 38' coaches are fairly rare.

The U320s had a interior update in 2001, new ceiling and dash.

Time to start studying. Options, standard equipment, engines, transmissions, heat, cooling and floor plans change from year to year. Happy hunting!

Roger

I'll take a look at that site. Thanks for the link. Even if, ultimately, my wife (the real boss

) decides we need to go with a newer SOB, this should make for interesting and entertaining reading.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #4 – June 24, 2014, 06:25:19 pm

There is no "horrible year" Foretravel. I always tell folks to identify the budget they want to spend, then buy the year Foretravel that fits it, allowing some funds for little issues, tires, batteries, or remodeling "needs". I loved my 1990 (and still think of it as a wonderful coach), and I love my 2002, which will likely be my last coach.

The 2002's have been maligned due to the aforementioned end-cap issues, which were cosmetic and, once fixed, they pose no problem. Also relative to the 2002, they used an HWH "Train" system to control the slide for only one year. (Country Coach also used that system for a time...I'm not sure how long.) I have no idea whether it was discontinued because it was too expensive to include in the manufacture...or if they found a better idea. I do know from personal experience that the Train system is easy to diagnose and repair if needed.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #5 – June 24, 2014, 07:04:10 pm

Actually they started one slide in 99 and they went to two in 01. There were loads of 36 footers made as well as 40s but less 42 and 34 foot. They made 8 38 foot slide coaches though they made then in the old Grandvillas style. The slide on the 99-01 is the same. In 02 they changed it.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #6 – June 24, 2014, 07:08:39 pm

In 2003 they were finished experimenting on slides with heavy reinforcements, with trains, and with locking pins, I like 2003 or later for that reason.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #7 – June 24, 2014, 07:49:46 pm

John, I recall being told they made 12 or 14 SE 1999 with the LR slide. So
While the first year, were rare. I do not recall the ratio of slides built to non slides for the 1999-2001 era coaches. I thought that end caps were not issues before 2002 as they used the molding before 2002.....right?

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #8 – June 24, 2014, 09:38:14 pm

I may be wrong but I recall reading that the 2000 slides had to be removed with a forklift to change the air bladder and in the 2001 the slide will move in far enough to change the air bladder without removing the slide. So far I have had good fortune with the slide and with our 2001 overall.

Roger

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #9 – June 24, 2014, 10:10:14 pm

We have had a 1990 36' Grand Villa for the last two years and absolutely love it! Bought it with 146,000 miles on the Cat 3208T engine. I would not hesitate to take off to Alaska in this coach even though it is 24 years old. We have remodeled the interior, but all the original mechanical systems work well. It gets between 9-10 miles per gallon at 75 mph on the interstate. These older Foretravel coaches are all mechanical and very reliable. I have put about 10,000 miles on the coach since purchase and have had no problems with it. We regularly take it up to the factory for service and really enjoy the way we are treated there. Great coach, great builder.
We like our Foretravel so much that we have just upgraded to a 1996 U320 40'. I suppose the first sign of old age dementia is owning two motor homes!
I for one like the older, simpler coaches--- less to break.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #10 – June 24, 2014, 11:36:41 pm

Roger I have a 2001 and. Need to pull my slide with a forklift too.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #11 – June 24, 2014, 11:57:52 pm

Great stuff! Appreciate the input and insight. I think if a Foretravel is in our future it will be a 36-foot model, since it sounds like there weren't many 38-foot models produced. Are 36-foot models still produced aside from special orders? if not, when did they go out of regular production?

To those of you with older coaches, a big part of me wishes I could go that route as I do like the unique styling and lower profile. However, I doubt I could convince my DW even if there were one close by for her to walk through and see the quality.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #12 – June 25, 2014, 12:45:44 am

Slides on a few 1999 U-320 Special edition - most 2000 and on had slides

had a 36 and now have a 40 - those 4 feet not significant - find a well maintained coach in the 36- 40 foot range that you like and buy it - maintenance history and use, floor plan and availability more important than size - if you are to narrow on your aiming point, you may wait a long time for a coach to come along, especially if you are not will ing to travel very far on your search

1999 - 2001 probably best years, plus a lot of units to pick from - 2002 and 2003 had end caps issues - most have been addressed by now

Good luck, and welcome to the Forum!!!!!

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #13 – June 25, 2014, 07:14:53 am

Thanks, John. I learn something every day. It was probably wishful thinking than made me hear differently. I hope I don't get to experience that extraction. So far very good.

Roger

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #14 – June 25, 2014, 08:13:10 am

The pulling the slide rom is not too bad but the 1800 bucks for the. hWH inner tubes is a bit steep.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #15 – June 25, 2014, 11:22:04 am

"What, if any qualms would you have about full-timing in a 15-20 year old FT coach?" We bought our 1993 U300 40' coach a little over a year ago to be our full-time coach. We've been living in it pretty much full-time since January while we wait for our place to sell. We did a LOT of research prior to buying, and we think we got the right coach.

Gary Bouland has a 36' U280 for sale - in Georgia. Probably too far to go just to take a look, but his coach is the one that told us a GV was the right choice for us.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #16 – June 25, 2014, 11:34:48 am

Quote from: kb0zke – June 25, 2014, 11:22:04 am

"What, if any qualms would you have about full-timing in a 15-20 year old FT coach?" We bought our 1993 U300 40' coach a little over a year ago to be our full-time coach. We've been living in it pretty much full-time since January while we wait for our place to sell. We did a LOT of research prior to buying, and we think we got the right coach.

Gary Bouland has a 36' U280 for sale - in Georgia. Probably too far to go just to take a look, but his coach is the one that told us a GV was the right choice for us.

Thanks for that. It's very encouraging. I think FT is rapidly moving up on my mental list of possible coaches, which went from two brands (Newmar and Tiffin) to five (in alphabetical order: Country Coach, Foretravel, Newmar, Tiffin, and Winnebago). Seems I should be narrowing the list, not expanding it. Hmmm . . . . Now if I can just get the DW to see what I'm seeing.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #17 – June 25, 2014, 11:46:08 am

Walt,

We have been TT people for the last 15 or so years and just bought our FT a year ago after almost buying a Tiffin. I cant say enough good things about our 25 year old coach over the 10 year old Tiffin we were looking at. Coupled with this forum and all the knowledge and good people here...Priceless.

One other point...Factory support. I had great factory support on a 25 year old coach. The factory fabricated a fiberglass piece for my coach after a roadway incident instead of the repair shop because as the repair shop said....."The factory said they wanted to make sure the part was correct" and shipped them the part for install. Name another manufacturer that would do that for a 25 year old coach...doubtful!

Happy searching!!

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #18 – June 25, 2014, 11:52:03 am

Quote from: danieljeff545 – June 25, 2014, 11:46:08 am

Walt,

We have been TT people for the last 15 or so years and just bought our FT a year ago after almost buying a Tiffin. I cant say enough good things about our 25 year old coach over the 10 year old Tiffin we were looking at. Coupled with this forum and all the knowledge and good people here...Priceless.

One other point...Factory support. I had great factory support on a 25 year old coach. The factory fabricated a fiberglass piece for my coach after a roadway incident instead of the repair shop because as the repair shop said....."The factory said they wanted to make sure the part was correct" and shipped them the part for install. Name another manufacturer that would do that for a 25 year old coach...doubtful!

Happy searching!!

Thanks for the info! I've read some wonderful things about FT support of its older coaches. I know Tiffin has a reputation for great customer service, even with its older coaches, which is the only reason it is still on the list. Some of the stories I've read about the recurring problems Tiffin has had over numerous model years (wet bay, roof rail, driver's side slide issues) have moved them to fifth place of the five brands on my list. Thanks again.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #19 – June 25, 2014, 01:33:18 pm

Our short list in order:

Foretravel
Country Coach
Newmar
Beaver
Tiffin

Newell and Prevost were too pricey for us.

Of course some years of each brand were better than others. The others were on the long list but were eliminated upon further examination of their websites and talking to owners. Funny thing was, when talking to owners of the coaches on our short list probably 8 out of 10 would not purchase their existing coach. When asked what they would buy the Foretravel name was usually mentioned.

We like our 36' but would have purchased a 40' if one was available in our time frame. 42' and longer were not considered as we perceived them to be too long.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #20 – June 25, 2014, 02:34:11 pm

Quote from: Carol & Scott – June 25, 2014, 01:33:18 pm

Our short list in order:

Foretravel
Country Coach
Newmar
Beaver
Tiffin

Newell and Prevost were too pricey for us.

Of course some years of each brand were better than others. The others were on the long list but were eliminated upon further examination of their websites and talking to owners. Funny thing was, when talking to owners of the coaches on our short list probably 8 out of 10 would not purchase their existing coach. When asked what they would buy the Foretravel name was usually mentioned.

We like our 36' but would have purchased a 40' if one was available in our time frame. 42' and longer were not considered as we perceived them to be too long.

I guess great minds think alike

as four of your brands are also on my list. I had seen Foretravel mentioned on some other forums and had someone there recommend I take a look at them. Until that point, I had not considered FT because I didn't think I could ever afford one, not realizing how good they continue to look a decade or more after manufacture.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #21 – June 25, 2014, 04:57:00 pm

Quote from: WaltH – June 24, 2014, 11:57:52 pm

To those of you with older coaches, a big part of me wishes I could go that route as I do like the unique styling and lower profile. However, I doubt I could convince my DW even if there were one close by for her to walk through and see the quality.

One thing I noticed in going from the 36' 1990 U280 to a 36' 2002 U270 was that with the front seats on the same level as the rest of the living area, it made it seem 2-3 ft longer. The front passenger seat easily is part of the living room when turned, but no so with the 1990 as it was higher. While I liked the overall look of the 1990 better, this layout has more useful room with the front entry as well as the chair.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #22 – June 25, 2014, 05:02:06 pm

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – June 25, 2014, 04:57:00 pm

One thing I noticed in going from the 36' 1990 U280 to a 36' 2002 U270 was that with the front seats on the same level as the rest of the living area, it made it seem 2-3 ft longer. The front passenger seat easily is part of the living room when turned, but no so with the 1990 as it was higher. While I liked the overall look of the 1990 better, this layout has more useful room with the front entry as well as the chair.

That is part of what has me looking toward the "newer" models. The addition of a slide also seems like it would make it possible for the driver's seat to also be part of the living room, but I think most of the newer non-slide layouts I've seen have a second chair or recliner to use with the passenger seat, and that would be good enough for me.

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #23 – June 25, 2014, 05:51:47 pm

Walt:
I also considered a 36 foot Foretravel because the 19 foot wheelbase makes it easier in tight spaces than the 23 foot wheelbase of the 40 foot. I bought a 40 foot.

In my opinion, for going full time, a 40 foot Foretravel is more practical than a 36 foot for two reasons:

ONE: a 36 foot Foretravel has only 60% as much basement storage as a 40 foot. I would not have sufficient storage in a 36 foot because I winter in California for the six winter months.

TWO: a 40 foot U320 has a great panty across from the refer, which a 36 foot does not have. I have run out of room in the pantry during winter months in California.

I did not want a slide due to the extra weight, extra maintenance, and the additional purchase cost. A Foretravel with a slide will sell for circa $40,000 more than a Foretravel without a slide (similar year, condition, mileage).

Hope this helps!

Re: A Little Foretravel History?

Reply #24 – June 25, 2014, 06:00:34 pm

Quote from: P. Wyatt Sabourin – June 25, 2014, 05:51:47 pm

Walt:
I also considered a 36 foot Foretravel because the 19 foot wheelbase makes it easier in tight spaces than the 23 foot wheelbase of the 40 foot. I bought a 40 foot.

In my opinion, for going full time, a 40 foot Foretravel is more practical than a 36 foot for two reasons:

ONE: a 36 foot Foretravel has only 60% as much basement storage as a 40 foot. I would not have sufficient storage in a 36 foot because I winter in California for the six winter months.

TWO: a 40 foot U320 has a great panty across from the refer, which a 36 foot does not have. I have run out of room in the pantry during winter months in California.

I did not want a slide due to the extra weight, extra maintenance, and the additional purchase cost. A Foretravel with a slide will sell for circa $40,000 more than a Foretravel without a slide (similar year, condition, mileage).

Hope this helps!

Well, I do like to eat

so I do like the idea of having a pantry. At this point in time, though, my wife is pretty adamant about going to 40-feet. Our fifth-wheel is 34-feet, and I suspect she'd like to stay that length, though I think I could convince her to go 36-feet and maybe a little longer. I know four feet doesn't seem that much longer, but every time she sees a 40-foot coach she complains that they are too long and calls them "huge."

As far as slides go, I personally would love a no slide model for all of the reasons you mention. While she doesn't like the four-slide coaches, I think my wife does like the extra space a slide or two provides. Perhaps if and when I get her inside a no-slide FT, I can get her to keep an open mind about that.

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